Many of us remember when Microsoft first released their infamous Paint software, and we finally had the opportunity to draw on the computer screen, making the dreams of many young children (and adults!) come true.
But as technology develops and user requirements change, digital drawing devices have evolved with them, and we are now firmly in the realms of both graphic and digital drawing tablets.
In this article, we compare two of the digital giants responsible for this change; Wacom and Huion.
Both of these brands are well-known tablet manufacturers, and although Wacom has sat at the top of the market longer than any other, brands such as XP-Pen and Huion are in constant hot pursuit.
Additionally, we also pitch Wacom against several other of the market leaders in our articles below:
So, let’s take a look at how Wacom and Huion compare…
In a hurry?
Our Wacom pick
With Wacom firmly positioned at the top of most of our guides, when it comes to architecture, interior design and landscape architecture, the Cintiq 22 is a clear winner with its exceptional performance and large high quality drawing area.
With Wacom firmly positioned at the top of the market and the first choice for many (if not all) professional artists, it is no surprise that it often features at the top of most of our guides. But when it comes to choosing just one of their many excellent models, the Cintiq 22 is a clear winner with its exceptional performance and large high quality drawing area.
Our Huion pick
Hunion’s highest resolution tablet …and largest ever digital display
With Wacom often winning on performance and overall quality, the KAMVAS Pro provides an excellent substitute for those looking for a high performance tablet with a smaller price tag. With a 16 inch matt anti-glare digital display and 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, we think this is among one of the best digital drawing display tablets currently on the market.
Wacom vs Huion: Overview
You will be surprised and maybe even a little overwhelmed by the number of different Wacom and Huion models available on both manufacturers’ websites; all with different specifications, dimensions, and uses, but not all necessarily significant …so lets take a look at the important aspects and features that need to be taken into account and considered.
Pressure sensitivity
To make your experience more enjoyable and as close to real drawing as possible, these companies made their products pressure-sensitive.
This means just like a real pen, marker, or pencil, the applied pressure an artist puts upon the screen determines how thick/thin and light/heavy the lines are when drawn. Moreover, various models offer different sensitivity levels.
Nevertheless, it is quite hard to notice the difference between the tablets when the number of levels are more than 1000. All of them can pick up details from the slightest change in applied pressure.
But we should remember that both Wacom and Huion are top manufacturers, so all of their latest models have no less than 2048 levels of digital pen pressure sensitivity.
Hence, there is no need to compare the levels of pen sensitivity between these two brands. You will rarely notice the difference.
Display
When comparing the displays, the most significant point is its size. The size of the tablet’s screen has the most prominent influence upon its price.
Both Wacom and Huion offer extensive product ranges that include many models of different sizes. Beginners can buy the smaller Wacom One tablet or the Huion KAMVAS Pro 13 GT-133, and for experienced users, there are bigger and more expensive tablets available such as the Wacom Cintiq and Huion Kamvas Pro as featured above.
Resolution (LPI)
The tablet’s pen resolution measured in Lines Per Inch (LPI) defines how well it picks up small changes. The latest devices can capture up to 5080 lines per inch. So they provide users with an incredible level of details.
However, even a graphics tablet with 1270 LPI provides enough detail. Only professionals and the most advanced users can notice an enhancement in the curved lines’ accuracy.
Taking into account that Wacom tablets start at the resolution of 2540 LPI, and Huion devices offer more than 4000 lines per inch, the pen resolution is not the most significant factor.
So when it comes to pen resolution, all new models of Wacom and Huion tablets meet the requirements of both beginners and experts.
Stylus/pen
The first thing you should know about pens is that battery-free ones are the best. Instead of having a battery, these devices use inductive current created by the surface of the tablet, and as a result are more reliable and durable.
Wacom includes battery-free pens with its full line of pen displays and pen tablets. However, when it comes to Huion, you can find them only with the Kamvas series, but they can of course be bought separately.
In terms of functionality, both types include express keys on their sides and work the same way.
How a pen erases is another consideration. Wacom includes this additional feature in its Cintiq Pro and Intuos Pro models, where the artist can turn their pen upside-down and use it to erase the drawing.
Wacom’s Pro series provides the most fluid and natural erasing motion, whereas other pens require the user to press one of the side buttons while erasing.
Stylus’ have replaceable tips that wear down over time. Both Wacom and Huion tablets come with several extra nibs, enough for many years of use.
In addition to standard hard plastic nibs, Wacom also provides users with felt and flexible nibs made of soft plastic. Huion tips are not compatible with Wacom, and vice versa. You can find extra nibs for Wacom pens by twisting the pen physically apart, and for Huion tablets extra nibs are stored in the included pen holder.
Connectivity
Before buying a pen tablet, you should check its compatibility with your operating system. Also, ensure that its connectivity allows you to work comfortably. Now, let’s compare the connectivity of Wacom Intuos Pro and Huion Kamvas Pro 13.
Wacom Intuos Pro – You can run it on Mac 10.10 or later and Windows 7 or later, connected through a Bluetooth, USB, or wireless connection.
Wacom is compatible with any type of software, but the best programs for work are Illustrator, Sketchbook, and Photoshop.
Huion Kamvas Pro 13 – In this case, you also need Windows 7 or later to run Kamvas Pro 13. And Mac users should have MacOS 10.12 or later. This device comes with a convenient three-way cable and the USB connection. Also, you may use a Bluetooth connection. Huion Kamvas Pro 13 is compatible with Clip Studio, Adobe Photoshop, Paint Tool Sai, and many others.
Warranty & support
Most Wacom and Huion models come with a 1-year warranty, and the Wacom Pro series comes with a 2-year warranty.
Wacom provides customers with 24/7 online chat and phone support available in many countries. On the other hand, you can use Skype, email, or chat for Huion’s customer support.
But be aware that you can contact them only during Chinese Standard time working hours. So it often takes many hours to get a response. That is why those who need fast support should choose Wacom.
Express keys
Wacom Intuos Pro – The Express Keys of this tablet are customizable, and the user can set up to eight shortcuts. Its radial menu is easy to manage and smooth, and the digital pen has side switches. You can rotate and zoom in/out the image by touching the screen with two fingers.
Huion Kamvas Pro 13 – Huion Kamvas Pro 13 has only four Express Keys. Still, you can set them up to suit your demands. Also, you will have a touch bar instead of the radial menu.
Multitouch
Tablets with multitouch can recognize many points of contact at the same time. This helps to increase functionality particularly when rotating and zooming in and out.
Huion tablets do not support multitouch, and however Wacom Cintiq and Intuos models can offer it.
Value
Whilst Huion provide excellent value for money and in many ways perform just as well as Wacom products, Wacom outperforms them when it comes to the build quality, stylus and manufacture support. And for those that can afford it, Wacom wins every time.
However with their much more cost efficient prices tags across all of their products, Huion are still able to provide artists with a professional grade tablet …it just wont be a Wacom.
Pros & cons of Wacom drawing tablets
Pros:
Software – Wacom tablets work with most, if not all types of programs and software.
Pen Pressure – All Wacom tablets have at least 2048 levels of pen pressure sensitivity.
Size – Wacom have an exceptionally large product range
Control – Wacom offers many intuitive control options, including multitouch.
Cons:
Price – Wacom tablets are the most expensive products on the market.
Lagging – Depending on your computer’s RAM and storage capacity, some of Wacom’s tablets tend to lag.
Portability – Medium and large tablets are not portable, and require a lot of desk space.
Pros & cons of huion drawing tablets
Pros:
Sensitivity – Huion tablets are very sensitive, with many supporting 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity.
Shortcuts – Keyboard shortcuts include many useful functions, like an eraser, brush, zoom, changing brush size, and others.
Price – Huion tablets are less expensive than Wacom products.
Pen – The pen is very light and easy to recharge.
Cons:
Packaging – Huion’s products usually come in dull unattractive boxes.
Compatibility – Huion tablets are slightly more restrictive when it comes to compatibility.
Customer Service – Customer Service is available only during working hours, and it takes a lot of time to fix your problem.
Drivers – Some users may experience difficulties finding, downloading, and installing drivers.
Not cable-free – There is no option of a wireless connection.
What Are the Best Wacom And Huion Drawing Tablets?
Best for newcomers – Wacom Intuos vs Huion H610 Pro
Wacom Intuous is the most popular model among amteur artists. Also, those customers who live in the Americas can get three programs for their tablet for free after the purchase of a Wacom Intuos.
The Huion H610 Pro is not so common, as the Wacom Intuos. Nevertheless, H610 Pro has some advantages:
- Eight express keys
- Larger surface
- Lower price
If you are looking for a cheap graphics tablet, this Huion model can be a better choice. Still, Wacom Intuos offers better functionality.
Best for intermediate artists – Wacom Cintiq 16 vs Huion GT-220
The Cintiq range is a much more advanced model than Intuos. Its greatest advantage is the presence of a digital screen, and for the quality of the user experience and output, it is a relatively affordable professional tool.
The advantages of Huion GT-220 include:
- Two digital pens
- Eight replacement pen tips
- 21.5″ screen
- Low price
Huion GT-220 is an upgraded version of the company’s most popular model, the KAMVAS GT-191.
Best for advanced artists – Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 vs Huion Kamvas Pro 22
Working with Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 is almost like drawing on a table, as its drawing area is huge. But the price tag is even larger. You should only be considering this device if you are an experienced and professional artist.
When it comes to Huion Kamvas Pro 22, its characteristics include:
- Smaller screen than the Cintiq Pro 24
- Twenty express keys
- Not a touch-screen tablet
- 8192 levels of pen pressure sensitivity
- Ten extra nibs
- It is especially affordable
The Huion Kamvas Pro 22 provides artists with a professional level tablet but with an intermediate mid-level price tag.
Final verdict – Is Wacom better than Huion, which one should I buy?
Choosing the best graphics tablet depends on your demands and budget, and you must firstly determine the type of tablet you need before considering the brand.
There is no denying that Wacom through pure design, durability and functionality are firmly positioned at the top of the drawing tablet market, and for good reason. Yet with each artist’s bespoke requirements and workflows, this certainly doesn’t mean that they are the best.
Huion tablets with a small amount of sacrifice are capable of providing a very similar specification to Wacom, but at roughly 50% of price.
Relatively speaking, only dedicated full time artists will require, and be willing to spend the extra money for the increased functionalities that Wacom tablets can provide, and for good reason, as at a professional level they are very noticeable.
Whilst Hunion still provides professional level tablets, their price tag is far more suited to a mid-level artist and below, simply because they are more attainable and still highly functional.
So who’s better? …if you have a high budget and can justify the extra performance; Wacom, and if you don’t and can’t, Huion is an excellent substitute.
